SUMMARY
Organized violence by armed bandit groups emerged in northwestern Nigeria during the 2010s. Over time, these groups grew in size and rapidly expanded across the region, leading to a dramatic increase in violence. Banditry is often referred to as a multidimensional phenomenon, rooted in long-standing farmers-herders conflicts, interethnic tensions, disputes over land use and ownership. These tensions have been exacerbated by weak governance, marginalization, poverty, and shifting climate patterns.
Often described as organized along ethnic lines and communal ties, bandit groups have over time become increasingly militarized and formally organized groups; from engaging in cattle rustling to executing large-scale village raids and kidnappings. Thus, incentives have been phrased as primarily monetary since the bandit groups’ operations frequently include kidnappings for ransom, imposing levies, and illegal taxation. By the 2020s, following years of escalating violence, banditry had evolved to become one of Nigeria’s most pressing security threats.
Moreover, bandit groups are particularly difficult to map as there are hundreds of them, frequently shifting in size and leadership due to movement and infighting. Some have crossed state borders into another state, while new groups emerge elsewhere, replicating the same bandit methods in new places. These groups frequently operate from the vast forests of northwestern Nigeria, which, to some extent, enables them to evade detection and avoid Nigerian military operations. Additionally, bandit groups tend to cooperate and form alliances among each other while also frequently clashing over territorial control, cattle-rustling long-standing feuds, or personal vengeance.
The conflict between Forces of Mai Yankuzu and Forces of Dogo Bali should be understood in this context. Both bandit groups were active in Zamfara State of northwestern Nigeria and reportedly had a prolonged feud ongoing. In April 2024, the rival bandit groups clashed, when Forces of Dogo Bali reportedly launched a surprise attack on the camp of Forces of Mai Yankuzu, which resulted in scores of deaths.
